The Sundering Flood · Chapter
XXVI: They Bring the Baron Into Eastcheaping explained
Osberne, Stephen, and four others, along with Steelhead, infiltrate the Great Bastide by disguising themselves and using Stephen's minstrel guise to gain entry.
What happens
Osberne, Stephen, and four others, along with Steelhead, infiltrate the Great Bastide by disguising themselves and using Stephen's minstrel guise to gain entry. They capture the Baron of Deepdale while he sleeps, using Steelhead's mysterious power to keep him in a sleepwalking state, and successfully bring him back into Eastcheaping. Steelhead then departs, promising to meet Osberne again in the mountains.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and Growth
Osberne demonstrates strategic leadership and bravery in the successful capture of the Baron, marking his growth as a warrior and leader.
Community and Kinship
The cooperation between Osberne, Stephen, Steelhead, and the townsmen highlights the bonds of kinship and mutual support in their shared cause.
Characters to notice
- Osberne Wulfgrimsson
Leads the infiltration and capture of the Baron of Deepdale, showing his growing prowess and courage.
- Stephen the Eater
Uses his minstrel disguise and cunning to gain entry to the Bastide and assist in the capture.
- Steelhead
Joins the mission, uses his mysterious power to keep the Baron in a sleepwalking state, and later departs with a promise to meet Osberne again.
- The Baron of Deepdale
Captured while sleeping and brought into Eastcheaping by Osberne and his companions.
Key passages
“Osberne and the four were clad, over their armour, in frocks and hoods of upcountry fashion; but Stephen was in his minstrel’s raiment, save that he bore no fiddle, and had a heavy short-sword girt to him under his cotehardy.”
Osberne and his men wore simple country clothes over their armor, while Stephen dressed as a minstrel but carried a short sword hidden under his coat.
Describes the disguises used for the infiltration.
“Steelhead took Osberne by the skirt and drew him a little aside and said: 'Lad of Wethermel, in all ways thou hast shown thy valiance, and I am glad of thee.'”
Steelhead pulled Osberne aside and praised his bravery, expressing pride in him.
Steelhead acknowledges Osberne's courage before departing.